We checked with a CVS clerk in town about possible fireworks show that night. Well, there would be one at the city park, but it's really not that good and a bit of a mob scene. So, we decided not to try to attend that. The CVS lady, whose name we promised not to divulge to the Chamber of Commerce, also told us that the parade, earlier in the day, was not nearly as good as in past years - all cars, not so many horses, bands, floats, fire engines, like you're supposed to have.
Staunton is also the home of the Statler Brothers. Until their retirement a few years ago, they would put on a big July Fourth show in Staunton with big-name guest performers. Alas, no more. Also a Statler Bros. store that was here closed when they retired. Here's one of my favorite Statler Bros. songs.
Staunton has a trolley that makes a continuous half-hour loop through the downtown area and you can hire a guide to travel with you and tell you about the history of Staunton, which we did on Friday. Here's the Wikipedia link to Staunton, if you're historically interested. First thing to know is that the u in Staunton is not pronounced. The town is pronounced Stan-ton. Second thing is that it is in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Beautiful countryside. Here's a musical link.
Our guide, Diane, told us that Virginia was originally a huge British land-grant "county." It extended into what are now IL and IN, and to the Mississippi River. A little later she was talking about the War Between the States. I asked when did VA become a state with its present boundaries? She didn't know and got a bit flustered. Susie took her aside later and said, Don't let it bother you. He's a statistician and he always thinks in numbers. The answer is June 25, 1788.
Diane told us a lot about city history and architecture. E.g., Woodrow Wilson was born here and his Presidential Library is here. I didn't ask the birth date. Wilson's father was a Presbyterian minister and they didn't live here long. If you want to know how long, you'll have to look it up. While we were told a lot about city architecture and architects, a problem was that from inside the trolley you couldn't see much of the buildings that Diane pointed out. Next time I'll take the guided walking tour. Here are a couple of shots from my later unguided walking tour while Susie got her hair done at the local beauty school.
One building where we left the trolley and explored for a half-hour, for an extra $5, was the Trinity Episcopal Church. It is known for its Tiffany stained-glass windows. The lighting and equipment weren't right for me to take pictures, but here's a link to where you can see the windows. Here's an exterior shot of the church.
We took a couple of aimless drives through the countryside, just enjoying the pastoral scenery.
So many shades of green.
Wouldn't you like to know what's at the end of this lane?
Of course, a barn or two along the way.
The reason Susie got her hair done is because we had a big night on the town planned for Saturday night. First it was dinner at the Mill Street Grille that friend, Donna Eaton, had tipped us on - 'twas an excellent meal in a neat setting. Then it was on to the Butter Milk Barn and bluegrass music and country dance-watching for us.
Ver-r-r-y interesting people-watching.
It happened that we got back to KOA just in time for their fireworks show. Much larger than we expected. Lots of big boomers and bursting shells.
It made for a fitting climax to our Staunton weekend.
Next day, Sunday, we worked our way east across the state to Fredericksburg. This is the home of Kenny and Vonnie Hinkle and (many members of) their family. Kenny is the brother of Susie's late husband, Manny. They let us park Tuzigoot in their driveway and Susie stayed with them while I rode Amtrak into Washington for a two-day meeting. Very unfortunately, we didn't get any family pictures. However, from Vonnie's facebook page, here is a picture of Kenny and her at the Washington National's July 4 game.
Here's a picture Susie took of their house on the outskirts of Fredericksburg. The lot is large enough to open a KOA, I suggested to them.
We really enjoyed the visit and appreciate their hospitality.
I Amtrak-ed back Tuesday evening and Wednesday we headed north. First stop, two nights in Gettysburg. Next installment.
Susie and Rob
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